Wheels

THE DRIVER Joe Furey is the chief meteorologist for FoxCT and local CBS radio stations. He is originally from Norwalk and has been forecasting weather in Connecticut for 30 years. Joe is married to a "wonderful woman" and has four "beautiful" daughters and a big dog named "Jake."

HIS RIDE A 2004 Lexus GS300.

Tell me about your first vehicle.

It was a 1972 reddish-orange VW Beetle. It was a family car I used because my dad drove a company car. I drove it to high school when I was a senior and to my job at Stew Leonard's, where I worked in produce.

What was your favorite vehicle you owned?

My 1990 Saab. I put 260,000 miles on it, mostly driving my first born daughter around in it. That's how she got her best naps.

What is the most meaningful conversation you ever had inside your vehicle?

It was with my dad as I was driving him to the hospital from his house where I grew up. It was his last ride in a car … he seemed to know that. He told me I had a job to do raising my family. He told me he was going to a better place and passed away in the hospital two weeks later.

If you could describe yourself as a vehicle, what would it be?

Something big … maybe a snowplow. I had to go with something weather-related.

What is your favorite driving destination?

Anywhere I go with my family. We love the Connecticut shoreline.

What's your favorite stretch of road?

I love Highway 179 through the beautiful Red Rock Country of Sedona, AZ.

What song or artist do you most like to sing along with when you're driving?

I have no say. My daughters are in charge of the radio.

What's your favorite place to eat or grab a snack when you're driving?

Shady Glen in Manchester, especially in the summer when they have Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream.

Who is the most intriguing person you have ever given a ride to?

Dr. Mel Goldstein. I spent almost five years with him as his graduate assistant and as assistant director of the Western Connecticut State University Weather Center. He was one of the most intelligent persons I have known — a terrific person, an amazing writer, and a talented pianist.

What is the most interesting destination you have ever driven to?

After college, I went on a cross-country road trip with two buddies in a 1980 Dodge Aspen. We stopped at Hoover Dam and I was awe-struck by its enormity and what it took to build. What man can do when we put our mind to it!

Do you have any superstitions or apprehensions about driving?

No, but my mother blesses herself whenever she gets in the car with me.

What's the most annoying thing other drivers do?

Drive in the left passing lane at a slow speed while clearly jabbering on the phone.

Who would you most want to take for a ride in your car?

Sir Isaac Newton, Ben Franklin or Ronald Reagan.

Do have any advice for driving in wintry weather?

Don't, especially if your vehicle does poorly in the snow. Try never to be on the road when it first starts to snow. That's when you're bound to get in the biggest trouble because so many people are trying to get home "before it gets bad," when oftentimes it already is bad. Let the snow plows do their jobs.

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